Each time the conversation goes something like this:

Gen Y Guy – I worry about where to look for a job.  I can’t go work for a big company because people of my generation don’t trust the institution.

Me - What are your career goals long term?

Gen Y Guy – I’d like to be a manager.

Me - Then, Poof.  As soon as you are a manager, you are the institution.

Gen Y Guy – Huh.  I hadn’t thought of it like that.

Companies are not humans. They are made of humans. Naming it “the institution” is another way of skirting accountability for taking personal actions to improve a situation.

So next time you hear someone talking about the institution, the man, or corporate America…help them think about the story lines they tell themselves.

The first thought that popped into my head was a quote by Lily Tomlin. She said, “Somebody should do something about that.” Then I realized I am somebody.”

It’s a perfect opportunity for these two ladies to demonstrate leadership now.  There is no Government Bureau of the Office of Leadership Certificates and Appointments.  If you wait to be appointed before leading, you will not get anointed.  Lead now.  Act before you are asked.  Anticipate.  For more on this topic, check out Speaking of Anne’s post on thoughts driving actions.

Next time you catch yourself wishing that something was different, lead the change.

In our careers, it is the critical thinkers and action-biased people who get results.  Yet, too often, hiring managers select candidates who are consistent.  We shudder at those who break the rules and bring big ideas to the table. We say they are too risky.  We tell them that they should work on being more politically savvy.  This phenomenon is even true at high levels of leadership in the organization – exactly where we should look for the opposite.

I admit, it is simpler to give someone instructions and have them follow.  The problem is, you’re only preserving mediocrity. So, easy isn’t desirable.

One of my favorite colleagues of all time is known as someone difficult to manage.  He questions status quo. He doesn’t take orders well. The leader who tries to manage him will get a defiant, disenchanted, underutilized genius. Yet, the leader who can see his brilliance and give him freedom to do his thing will see unprecedented progress.

Consider this challenge: Don’t be a sheep.  Don’t hire sheep.  Unlock the potential in your organization by finding the underutilized strengths on your existing team.

1. Do the right thing consistently, especially when you think no one is watching.
2. Lead by example, not by threats and demands.
3. Bring out the best in your team. Spend time figuring out each person’s gifts.
4. Think uniquely.  Don’t fear going against consensus – offer unpopular ideas with mutual respect and conviction.
5. To get genuine respect…earn it, don’t demand it.
6. Risk more than seems safe, and dream more than is practical.
7. Work for your team and customers, not for self interest.

What are you doing this year to be a better leader?

Hollywood always supplies a happy ending and I am glad to supply my readership the same! Amy Vander Voort, MBA has landed. I start my new job in medical sales on October 26, 2009.

For those of you who are keeping track, it’s been 11 months total. Some people will be shocked by the length of my search, others will not. It’s all relative, right? I’m glad it’s less than a year, though. I wasn’t looking forward to facing another holiday season without work and I was worried that things would slow considerably in November and December, leaving my best chances at employment until 2010. It was my time!

When I received the offer, I temporarily went into shock! I had so many things brewing, was in multiple candidate pools and I definitely felt an offer coming. It was anyone’s guess as to which company it would be! I prayed for a position where I could be successful, for myself and my new employer. I also prayed for an environment where I can grow and be nurtured—something that has been missing lately in my career.

Medical sales is an area that has interested me for a long time. I like that all is based on performance. I like being out and meeting new people. Mostly, there are exponentially more jobs in healthcare sales than in hospital administration, in any geographic market or during any economy. I feel this is a great career move, a chance to learn new skills and a way to successfully earn a living for the remainder of my career. Bring it on!

My search has been an amazing journey and a real period of personal growth for me. I have met so many wonderful people who have dispensed advice, encouragement and career ideas and I am so thankful to all of them.

The IAMBA blog has been a particular blessing and boost to my search. I have really enjoyed connecting with everyone online and sharing experiences. The blog also helped me stay in better touch with my contacts which ultimately led to my employment.

On a larger scale, it gave us a voice: the professional, educated job seekers who are having a collective experience and facing the same challenges across the U.S. and the globe. Thank you to everyone who wrote to me on LinkedIn, posted to the IAMBA site and made this into something that was greater than myself. You gave me a gift that I will always treasure.

For those of you who are still in the trenches—hang in there! I did it, and so can you. I was facing the same bad economy, an industry gripped by fear (healthcare) and an unusual resume that confused my interviewers many times! There were days I felt the odds were stacked against me. Have faith in yourself and know that you have value. Stay determined and things will come together for you!

Wishing you all every success!

-Amy